Exploring the Need for More Skilled Shooters
The Detroit Pistons are in urgent need of more skilled shooters to elevate their offensive game. Despite the potential seen in some player sets, such as JB Bickerstaff’s strategic screen plays involving Jalen Duren and Duncan Robinson, the numbers tell a sobering truth: the Pistons lack players who actively seek to score from beyond the arc. While a high three-point percentage is a requirement, it’s equally crucial to prioritize deep shot attempts—this is fundamentally absent from Detroit’s current roster.
The Strategic Gaps in Shooting
This season, only Duncan Robinson stands out as a legitimate deep threat, attempting a staggering 78% of his shots from three-point range. The contrast with other players is stark: Cade Cunningham at 30%, Tobias Harris at 37%, and Jalen Duren, remarkably, at 0%. This imbalance restricts the team’s offensive flexibility and puts immense pressure on a handful of players to deliver points.
| Player | Three-Point Attempts (3PA) per Game | Percentage of Shots from Three |
|---|---|---|
| Cade Cunningham | 30% | 30% |
| Duncan Robinson | 7.2 | 78% |
| Jalen Duren | 0 | 0% |
| Tobias Harris | 37% | 37% |
| Ausar Thompson | 6% | 6% |
| Isaiah Stewart | 32% | 32% |
| Ron Holland | 36% | 36% |
| Caris LeVert | 48% | 48% |
| Javonte Green | 56% | 56% |
| Jaden Ivey | 52% | 52% |
| Daniss Jenkins | 40% | 40% |
In stark comparison, teams like the Phoenix Suns effectively utilize players whose primary focus is spacing. Players such as Grayson Allen and Collin Gillespie understand the importance of positioning and occupying spaces that can open up scoring opportunities, as illustrated in their recent game where they attempted a combined 23 three-pointers and converted nine. This is a strategy that Detroit currently lacks.
Comparative Analysis: Detroit vs. Phoenix
Reviewing these shooting profiles reveals something significant: Detroit’s top shooters would fail to match the depth and versatility that Phoenix brings. For example, without Duncan Robinson, the next “shooter” on the Pistons roster would be Javonte Green—a worrying proposition considering Green’s limitations.
- Phoenix’s Top Three-Point Shooters:
- Dillon Brooks – 41%
- Grayson Allen – 67%
- Royce O’Neale – 81%
These figures magnify the urgency for the Pistons’ management to make strategic moves before the trade deadline. Trajan Langdon faces mounting pressure to acquire a player whose primary skill is deep shooting.
Projected Outcomes
Looking ahead, three critical developments are expected:
- Increased Targeting of Shooters: Expect trades or acquisitions prioritizing players with proven three-point shooting capabilities, like Malik Beasley from last season.
- Offensive Scheme Adjustments: As new players arrive, Detroit will likely adapt its offensive strategies to optimize spacing and enhance shooting opportunities.
- Competitive Standing Improvement: If these adjustments are effective, the Pistons could markedly improve their offense, leading to greater competitiveness within the league.
In summary, for Detroit to evolve, it must embed a shooting culture, where players actively seek three-point chances, thus transforming their offensive narrative and increasing their potential beyond current limitations.
